The Plante administration is moving to gradually phase out the sale of sugary drinks in all city of Montreal-run buildings.
The boroughs of Cote des Neiges-NDG and St. Laurent already have that rule in place, and now, the mayor is looking to impose the rule city-wide, as a way of promoting healthier food choices — particularly in spaces devoted to physical activity, such as parks and sports centres.
A motion passed at Monday night's council meeting also calling for the city to examine ways to gradually eliminate the sales of sugary drinks. It's a process that could take a few years to come to fruition, because the city has to wait for contracts to expire with its current suppliers.
The motion also called on the federal government to slap a tax on the producers of sugary drinks.
The motion didn't mention a percentage figure for a new tax, but opposition councillor Marvin Rotrand, who brought forth the motion, suggests a 20 per cent tax is the norm elsewhere.